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CHURCHILL DOWNS RACECOURSE |  |
| Churchill Downs, situated in Louisville, has had a racecourse since 1875 and the first Kentucky Derby was held at the track in May 1875 when won by Aristides. The Kentucky Oaks was also held for the first time in that same year. The track is named after the brothers Henry and John Churchill who owned the land on which the 80 acre course was built. | ||
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The course is famous for the twin spires that are at the
top of its grandstand, which was built in 1895 and designed by Joseph Baldez.
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| The Kentucky Derby was won in 1937 by War
Admiral although later beaten in a match by the legendary Seabiscuit. The latest running
of the great race, in 2008, was won by Big Brown. The Kentucky Oaks was first run on 19th
May 1875 when the mile and a half race was won by Vinaigrette. Since 1982 the race has
been run over 1 1/8th miles with the latest victor being the 2008 winner
Proud Spell, ridden by Gabrial Saez.
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The course has also hosted six Breeders Cup meetings to date, the latest being in 2006 when the Breeders Cup was won by Invasor. The course has a celebrated Derby Museum on its racecourse. |  4 credits |
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| If you have badges, racecards, pictures of the racecourse or further details about the course, including your memories, then email johnslusar@fsmail.net | ||